Lisa Marie Fernandez on holiday at Il Pellicano, Tuscany.
New York fashion stylist and swimwear designer Lisa Marie Fernandez is the quintessential chic traveler. She’s often found in St. Tropez, Capri, Positano, Bali or Montauk; great hotels dictate her destination. “Usually a great hotel means a wonderful experience, plus it’s the perfect research for the bathing suits,” says Fernandez.
Inspired by the sleek athleticism of scuba gear, the suits are crafted from either a luxe version of neoprene or a new sleek gloss fabrication, never before used in swim. Each style is named after “women who are interesting characters, have jobs and lead intriguing lives. And, they are all my friends.” The ready-to-wear detailing (zig zag seams, taught silhouettes and zipper detailing) allow the pieces to transition beautifully throughout the day, creating versatility without compromising style.
Last season, Fernandez collaborated with Peter Pilotto, the London-based ready-to-wear label. Her suits were shown on the Pilotto runway as bodysuits, paired with trousers. “I’ve evolved into this body suit girl. I wear a lot of Alaia and Céline. It’s funny! I’m making body suit bathing suits. Through osmosis the customer picked up on it,” she laughs.
“Across the board, though, I’m really into the one-piece swimsuit. And I’ve been a bikini girl my whole life, but I’ve transformed,” says Fernandez.
'Dree' Maillot
